Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok, is planning to attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, a notable move as TikTok’s future in the United States hangs in the balance. Chew will be joining a distinguished group of figures including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk.

TikTok’s fate in the U.S. has been uncertain since President Trump’s first term, when he pushed to ban the app, citing security concerns. However, during his 2024 campaign, Trump took a different approach, praising the app’s effectiveness in engaging younger audiences and helping his campaign reach millions.

Chew’s decision to attend the inauguration comes at a pivotal moment. The app faces the threat of being banned in the U.S., with the Supreme Court expected to rule on a case that could lead to a shutdown by January 19. Trump has requested the court delay any decisions on the matter.

Chew’s appearance may signal the growing political complexity surrounding TikTok. Despite the challenges, the company’s presence in the U.S. has become increasingly important, both as a cultural force and a point of contention for national security debates.

As the legal battle continues, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, but Chew’s attendance at the inauguration shows the ongoing relevance of the app in the political landscape.

SOURCE: TECHCRUNCH | PHOTO: THEAUSTRALIAN